Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley, two of José María Olazábal's assistants as Europe defied the odds to retain the Ryder Cup from 10-4 down, are seen as the two leading candidates to take over from the Spaniard for the 2014 match at Gleneagles.

The European Tour's tournament committee chaired by Thomas Bjorn, another of the vice-captains in Chicago, will be expected to make a decision in January.

Rory McIlroy believes that whoever is chosen "will be a great captain", but added: "I've always said I think Clarkey would be a great captain here in America. I think the crowds really love him, so maybe save Darren for 2016."

McIlroy played under McGinley's captaincy at the 2009 Seve Trophy in Paris and said: "He was fantastic there and has also been a fantastic vice-captain."

Olazábal also called on compatriot Miguel Angel Jiménez at Medinah and McIlroy said: "They are all different and all have their own opinions, but collectively they are very knowledgeable."

The Americans are likely to name their successor to Davis Love III in December and there are bound to be calls for the successful Presidents Cup captain, Fred Couples, to step up from being an assistant this time.

Couples, however, has already agreed to stay on for a third match against the International side. It takes place at Muirfield Village in Ohio in October next year.

That could open the door for a player such as the 45-year-old David Toms, a member of three Ryder Cup teams.